Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
integrated platform that allows for molecular diagnosis, targeted drug
delivery, and simultaneous monitoring and treatment of cancer. Several
nanoscopic therapeutic and diagnostic systems based on nanocomposite
materials are reported and also demonstrated the synergy of the multi-
functional nanomedicine design [102]. Liu and Liu have developed novel
carboxyl group-decorated crosslinked polystyrene nanoparticles via the
soapless emulsion polymerization of styrene and divinyl benzene with
oleic acid as functional comonomer. h e functional nanoparticles are
proposed as carriers for biomolecules or drugs [103]. Zhang
et al.
have
reported the engineering of a novel lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticle
(NP) as a robust drug delivery platform, with high drug encapsulation
yield, tunable and sustained drug release proi le, excellent serum stability,
and potential for dif erential targeting of cells or tissues. h e NP comprises
three distinct functional components: (i) a hydrophobic polymeric core
where poorly water-soluble drugs can be encapsulated; (ii) a hydrophilic
polymeric shell with antibiofouling properties to enhance NP stability and
systemic circulation half-life; and (iii) a lipid monolayer at the interface
of the core and the shell that acts as a molecular fence to promote drug
retention inside the polymeric core, thereby enhancing drug encapsula-
tion ei ciency, increasing drug loading yield, and controlling drug release
[104]. Polymersome (mesoscopic polymer vesicles) has a large hydrophilic
reservoir and its thick hydrophobic lamellar membrane provides signii -
cant storage capacity for both water-soluble and insoluble substances (such
as drugs and imaging probes). In addition, the brush-like architecture of
the polymersome outer shell can potentially increase biocompatibility
and blood circulation times. h e ability to conjugate biologically active
ligands to the brush surface has provided targeted therapy and imaging
[105]. Pluronic block copolymers cause various functional alterations in
cells. h e key attribute for the biological activity of Pluronics is their ability
to incorporate into membranes followed by subsequent translocation into
the cells, af ecting various cellular functions such as mitochondrial respi-
ration, ATP synthesis, activity of drug el ux transporters, apoptotic sig-
nal transduction, and gene expression. As a result, Pluronics cause drastic
sensitization of MDR tumors to various anticancer agents, enhance drug
transport across the blood brain and intestinal barriers, and causes tran-
scriptional activation of gene expression both
in vitro
and
in vivo
, result-
ing in a remarkable impact on the emergent i eld of nanomedicine [106].
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been used as multipurpose innovative car-
riers for drug delivery and diagnostic applications. h e CNTs can be func-
tionalized with dif erent functional groups to simultaneously carry several
moieties for targeting, imaging, and therapy. h e CNT constructs carrying
